What we did
  • Mouthpiece/Headjoint sounds or grip and stroke on drum sticks
  • Playing a sustained sound for a whole note (or 4 quarter notes for drums) followed by 4 counts of rest
    • Relates to page 6 in the method book (4 counts play/ 4 counts rest)
    • Identify, understand and play a whole note/rest with acceptable tone
    • Counting time for 4 beats groups (common time measures)
  • Proper posture and hand position
  • Reading and performing line 1, 2 and 4 in the Standard of Excellence


What to do
  • Review lines 1,2, and 4
  • Apply concepts to line 5,6,7 to achieve:
    • Correct pitches/fingerings
    • Establish consistent steady tempo
    • Start each note with a "Ha-Too" articulation
    • Begin to establish proper tone quality
    • Establish consistent proper posture

Notes: The Saxophone students have all of their material. Percussion students need to have bell kits (or I can try to supply small Orff type instruments). There are 2 trumpet students and 1 flute student that are still without instruments. As of this point, only the saxophone students are set-up for great success.

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